zia505

Knowledge is power. Information and data are the tools needed to navigate today’s increasingly complex and globally linked marketplace. Unfortunately, Africa’s entrepreneur remains relatively unconnected when compared to other parts of the world. At the same time, their social and economic contribution is often underestimated by government bodies, banks, investors, equity partners, and related institutions that could otherwise assist them in the development of their business. In this context the African entrepreneur is left to navigate alone. At the same time, Entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized as an important actor in economic development. An increasing body of research argues that entrepreneurs, and their small to medium size enterprises, hold great potential for the continent’s development. Entrepreneurs are vital to building a healthy and stable society. They help to create an important middle class and are an invaluable source of jobs, tax revenue, foreign currency and a number of tertiary benefits. As a networker and promoter I am in a position to champion entrepreneurs and their great projects. I can bring attention to the opportunities they present and make valuable links to possible partners, clients and investors in Europe and North America.

I recently did a research project with the University of Amsterdam on emerging software culture in Kampala, Uganda(www.ict4entrepreneurship.com). During one of my days at the Makerere Faculty of Computing and ICT I was approached by two young programmers (Alex and Tony) eager to connect with me. The next day I traveled to the outskirts of the city to visit their office (http://ict4entrepreneurship.com/2009/05/22/altoje-computer-world/). A small shop along a dirt road I discovered their small company. Needless to say they had limited access to electricity and no internet connection. Alex was able to get a computer from his family, meaning even his grandmother had to sell a goat for something she had never seen before in her life. This was not a place I expected to find two individuals dedicated to building Uganda's next great ICT company. And to think individuals like this can be found in cities and towns across the continent. Tony and Alex connect me and give me a feeling and sense of purpose. I know I am smart enough, dedicated enough and creative enough to find ways I can work with them and many other individuals like them. We do this because we believe in the right to do business, earn and income and take advantage of unexploited economic opportunities. At the same time we change the way people think about the continent and build the foundations that change people's lives.

I have traveled to 60+ countries and nowhere do I learn more about myself than in Africa. This place amazes me and I can't understand why it's so often marginalized, as if our values and way of life are better elsewhere. People should stop looking at Africa as a place torn by war, poverty and disease. A place in desperation and in need of 'solutions' I seek to recognize its people for who they are. And any solutions needed already exist. Entrepreneurs in Africa should have access to the knowledge, tools and resources needed to build viable and sustainable businesses. In turn, these individuals play an important role in realizing the continent's potential.

I first traveled to Kenya and Tanzania with my father and mother in 1991 (I was elleven). After a few jobs I decided to move to South Africa and join Africa Report, a predecessor to what is now CNBC Africa. In 2006 I met two journalist and an investor. Together we established Africa Interactive and AfricaNews.com, the first community news website produced by a pan African network of media talent. The social venture now has more than 700 individuals spread across 35+ African countries and is now a leading source of African made news and stories otherwise not captured by traditional media. As part of this initiative we pioneered Mobile Reporting and covered the Kenya Elections in 2008 and the preceeding crisis. It sticks with me that Africa Interactive was started by Dutch journalist, is financed with Dutch money, is located in the Netherlands and generally promotes a Dutch solution. I am a big fan of Africa Interactive but I wonder what these kinds of projects look like from an African perspective. Are there entrepreneurs walking around with their own business plans, do they have their own ideas and visions for the future? What is working and where do they run into challenges? This was the basis of my thinking that inspired me to start a master's program at the University of Amsterdam in New Media and Digital Culture. As part of this research project I went to Uganda for 3 months. The aim of my research is to better understand ICT's as an empowering agent for Entrepreneurship (www.ICT4Entrepreneurship.com) This project is in partnership with the University of Amsterdam and the Makerere University in Kampala. My field research resulted in a written thesis needed to complete my Master's in New Media and Digital Culture. This was an exciting experience and needless to say I see incredible opportunities. I started VC4Africa in the interest to bring entrepreneurs and investors together. I also work at Hivos, the Humanist Institute for Development in the Netherlands. At Hivos I help managed the ICT & Media portfolio in East Africa and am working to set up an ICT Entrepreneurship program in East Africa.